'Thriller' tour boat collides with Coast Guard boat, while carrying 24 (updated)

Image by Courtesy of Joseph Nienstedt The Thriller on a less bad day.

Update December 8:

The investigation is continuing. But The Post and Courier has done a little story with a smidgin of additional info.

One thing's clear, everyone's being on the quiet side on this one.

First reporting:

The 43-passenger high-speed Thriller boat collided with a 25-foot Coast Guard boat on Saturday evening at 8:21 p.m.

While much is still unclear, it's almost certain to rekindle past debate over the boat -- especially if it was going at high speed.

Here's what is known, from a Coast Guard release:

CHARLESTON, S.C. – A 25-foot Coast Guard small boat and the Thriller, a 43-passanger power catamaran, collided in Charleston Harbor Saturday at approximately 8:21 p.m. 

The Coast Guard small boat was reported to be transiting the channel while Thriller was crossing the channel when the collision occured.

A 41-foot Coast Guard utility boat crew from Station Charleston evacuated the 24 passengers who were on Thriller and transported them to Charleston Harbor Marina to awaiting emergency medical personnel.

There were three reported injuries to Thriller passengers. The extent of injuries are unknown.

“The Coast Guard’s primary concern right now is the condition of the passengers who were injured in the incident," said Capt. Michael F. McAllister, commander, Coast Guard Sector Charleston.

The Coast Guard vessel reportedly attained no damage and Thriller is reported to have sustained moderate above the water-line damage. 

Conditions at the time of the incident were clear with winds at 10 to 15 mph.

The incident is under investigation.

We'll keep you posted. 

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